Hi all,

I know there have been many discussions on this, and I've been lurking for a while, but I figured I'd just ask and hopefully someone with more experience will set me straight.

A bit about where I'm coming from - a few years back I had enough money burning a hole in my pocket and the persistent desire to fly that I started working on my PPL while living in Toronto. Life happened, and about 20 hours in I ran out of cash and couldn't get back in to it. I'm in a more stable position now, smarter with my cash, and understand better what it's going to cost me to complete this so I'm ready for round 2. While I have that experience in the plane I'm completely aware that I'll basically be starting from square 1 again.

So, question one - poking around, I've narrowed down what I think are appropriate schools to 3 - the Calgary Flying Club, Springbank Air Training, and Skywings out of Okotoks. I haven't seen any major black marks against them (recently), am I wrong? Am I missing any important alternatives?

Secondly, I live downtown and Springbank is likely more convenient for me to train out of, but there appears to be a general sense that the airport is busy and you can rack up time on the ground, in circuit, etc., which may inflate costs. Alternatively, Okotoks is going to be a longer drive which is going to soak up more time and money on the ground rather than being in the sky. Is Springbank so busy that I should absolutely avoid it if I'm considering Okotoks as a possibility?

Finally - I'm worried I've chosen nearly the worst time of year to start thinking about this, what with being well into summer. What is winter training like around here? If it's clear skies and -20, are instructors flying? Should I just plan on starting first thing next spring?

Sorry for the long winded-ness, appreciate any input.

-Mark

I've done training at all 3 of those schools, and they're all pretty good. The problem with Springbank is that you can spend a lot of time taxiing (and flying to/from the practice area), so when you're paying for hobbs time you end up spending a lot more money for the same airtime. It can also be a bit of a pain in the ass when it's busy.

Most of the flight schools have a temperature cut-off somewhere between -20 and -30. I think you should be able to fly about 50% of winter days.

I cannot speak for any of the schools. I just got my PPL last year in Grande Prairie, AB.

Just this weekend I flew into Springbank for the first time and all I can say is Kudos to the people that are learning to fly there. Having 200hrs and only one other experience in a Class C airport (Villenevue), Springbank was a little bit overwhelming at first.

I am definitely grateful for having taken my lessons in Grande Prairie, where there is only one other school plane and a Westjet or Jazz every hour to worry about.

If I had to choose between Springbank and Okotoks, I would be driving to Okotoks, and getting an instructor to take me to springbank a time or two for the experience of it...

I picked CFC at Springbank. Taxying is usually shorter from their location and the airport is not that busy during the week. Weekends are different. I live in Sage Hill, and this was another point for Springbank.

I'm glad to hear that during the week Springbank isn't so bad, that will probably make my decision easier.

I started my first 17 hours about 29 years ago and just got restarted last November after 27+ years of not flying. You may be surprised how much comes back to you quickly. Since then I've put in about another 30 hours, much of it during the winter months and I'm also in southern Alberta. Like you, I expected to start over from scratch. There's only a part of the instrument flying left of the required exercises so I'm not far off pace in spite of the time off. There were a few flights canceled for weather but not many. I even called it a day once when I was solo doing a run up on the apron and the weather started turning. When you can fly though, that dense, smooth, cold winter air is nice.

The possibility of last minute cancellations for weather might weigh your decision slightly towards the shorter driving distance. I was close enough to go to the airport anyway when it was iffy, just in case, and got a few flights in that way that I might have just cancelled otherwise. If you have a better feel about any of the instructors though I think that should outweigh a bit of convenience.

Good Luck, and have Fun!

I did my PPL at Okotoks back in 96. Next to no traffic. Training area nearby. An argument for Springbank is getting comfortable early on with pattern work with other traffic and more twr commications. But, that can come later on.

I don't recall ever holding for traffic at Okotoks. Just back track and zoom off. Also, back then before they paved the runway, one end was 100' feet higher than the other and that was good training for landing on the downward slopping runway.

Hello,

I am an ex-classII flight instructor and have taught in Calgary when there was training out of the international, Springbank and have flown out of Okatoks as well. It sounds like you really want to get your PPL and that flying is something you have a desire for.

The BEST advice I can give, is to go to each school, see how they treat you and meet with a couple of the instructors and see how they are. You are going to spend a lot of money, regardless of where you go, and if you hate you instructor and the school you are going to, it is going to feel like a waste of that money. How busy an aerodrome, airport is should be second to finding the right fit with a school and an instructor. Take the time to find a school and a person you are comfortable with. It is a very important relationship, the one between instructor and student. Anyone tell you different, walk away, they are only interested in your wallet.

Also, depending on your schedule, summertime can be the best time. The days are longer and gives you more daylight to fly more often, which will save you money. It is true that the more frquently you can fly, the less time and less money it will take to become flight test ready. But don't forget, your ultimate goal is to become safe and learn how to make smart decisions.

Good Luck.